HARARE Constitutional reforms were on Monday plunged deeper into confusion with President Robert Mugabes Zanu (PF) party rejecting reports that the governing coalition had finally agreed not to use the controversial Kariba draft constitution as a basis.In a statement that appeared to suggest welcome attempts to quicken constitutional reforms, Constitutional Affairs Minister Eric Matinenga had earlier said Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara met last Thursday and agreed to drop the Kariba document because of the polarisation it had caused within the ruling coalition.
Zimbabwes principal political leaders also agreed to grant autonomy to a special parliamentary committee set up to lead the constitution reforms, according to Matinenga.
But Zanu (PF) said it had not shifted from its position that the Kariba draft should form the basis for the new charter, adding that this was what the three coalition parties agreed in the global political agreement.
Zanu accused the MDC of back-tracking on the Kariba draft in a bid to appease its civic society allies who were opposed to the document.
Civic organisations and the MDC have criticised the Kariba draft because it leaves largely untouched the sweeping powers that Mugabe continues to enjoy even after formation of a power-sharing government.
But Mugabe has promised to instruct Zanu (PF) MPs to block any constitution that is not based on the Kariba document.
The draft constitution will be put before the electorate in a referendum expected in July next year and if approved by Zimbabweans will then be brought before Parliament for enactment.
Once a new constitution is in place, the power-sharing government is expected to call fresh parliamentary, presidential and local government elections.
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